Plights

I'm still amazed at the things my grandmother-in-law can do at 87. I'm also intrigued by the hardships she endured raising a family of five boys and one girl with almost no outside help, limited resources, etc.

I don't have much outside help either but we live in a wonderful neighborhood with great neighbors, babysitters virtually at my fingertips if needed, a grocery store that's a stone's throw away, and a housekeeper that works her tail off every two weeks. I'm still exhausted at the end of the day and I'm not sure my children appreciate anything they have or what we do for them.

I would love to hear from some people that raised children before me about how they managed and succeeded to raise responsible and considerate adults. Anyone?

We were in church today and at the end of the service, Pastor always asks visitors to raise their hands and introduce themselves. Today a lady and her teen son raised their hand and said they were from a town about three hours away and were stranded. The pastor told them in a quite voice to stay after the service. I watched for a minute to see if anyone would approach them and sadly no one did right away. We were sitting close so I went over to see if they needed anything. She said their car broke down and they were waiting on her brother to bring some money so they could get home. I asked where they slept last night and she said in their car. Someone approached them at that time and I stepped away. I found my husband and asked if they could stay at our home. He didn't think it was safe for our children so we left the church. On the way home I called Pastor and offered to take them a meal wherever they were staying. He said he had given them some money for gas and lunch so they could get home.

I can't imagine not being able to put gas in my car or buy lunch. We live in such a privileged area that sometimes other people's plights go unnoticed. I don't think God wants us to look for these people but to be aware when they come across our path and take action.